Defensive line applies plenty of pressure without Burgess

David White, Chronicle Staff Writer

Published 4:00 am, Sunday, September 30, 2007

No Derrick Burgess? No problem. The Raiders got to the quarterback just fine without their Pro Bowl pass rusher.

With Burgess out with a calf injury for a second straight game, the Raiders' defensive line gave nemesis Trent Greena throbbing headache and an 0-4 record after Oakland's 35-17 victory over the Dolphins on Sunday.

Oakland sacked Green twice, knocked him down three times and intercepted him twice when he threw under pressure. With the former Chiefs quarterback rendered ineffective, it didn't matter that Ronnie Brownran 15 times for 134 yards.

"All the boys played today," said defensive tackle Warren Sapp, who played in his college town for the first time in four years.

Defensive tackle Gerard Warren, a Florida native, sacked Green for a 13-yard loss in the first quarter. Defensive end Tommy Kelly had an 8-yard sack in the second quarter when Sapp broke through a double-team to force Green out of the pocket.

Defensive tackles Tyler Brayton and Terdell Sandshad pass deflections. Sapp, Kelly and Warren each added a quarterback hit. Nice game for not having their two-time Pro Bowl defensive end.

"I know ranking-wise, they haven't been that high this year," said Green, who entered the game with a 10-3 record against Oakland with eight straight wins. "The defense, I thought, (is) better. The play of their front four gives the linebackers and secondary freedom to make plays."

The line's play was all the more impressive considering the oppressive conditions: sideways rain and humidity early, and direct sun late. The Raiders substituted freely to keep their heavyweights fresh.

Two weeks earlier, the Raiders had a 25-minute lightning delay in Denver.

"We're used to that," Raiders coach Lane Kiffinsaid with a smile. "We talked about how prepared we are for that and they're not."

Field crews poured cat-litter-like dirt on the infield grass - the Florida Marlins play there - to cover the puddles.

The Raiders, who played on infield dirt at the Coliseum their past two home games, had 13 plays originate on the dirt, running eight times for 44 yards but going 0-for-5 passing.

Nice pick: Outside linebacker Thomas Howardgot his third interception of the season, returning his leaping catch 28 yards to the Dolphins' 11 in the first quarter. He has three returns for 98 yards.

Thomas is tied for the team interception lead with middle linebacker Kirk Morrison, who missed a fourth pick when a deflected pass dropped through his arms.

Darius bites back: Safety Donovin Darius made his first start for the Dolphins, recording a team-high nine tackles starting with one on the game's first play.

The Raiders signed Darius in the offseason to improve their run defense, only to cut him last month.

Broken promises: Dolphins linebacker Joey Porterguaranteed a victory before the game. The Raiders got a good laugh out of that.

"You can make your mouth say anything," Sapp said. "When somebody runs for 300 yards, what are you going to guarantee next week? What, hold him to 250?

"It's tough when you run your mouth, boy."

Porter, a three-time Pro Bowler with the Steelers, didn't offer a retraction.

"No, I don't ever regret anything," Porter said.

Sims wins: Left tackle Barry Sims got even with Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor, who had seven sacks and three forced fumbles against Sims the last two times they met.

Taylor lined up against Sims half the game and got no sacks.

"We've gone back and forth," Sims said. "Today was more my day than his, so I'm happy about that."

Briefly: The Raiders' bye week got a little easier with the victory. Kiffin promised the players Tuesday off if they won. ... Center Jeremy Newberrystarted for the first time since hurting his hamstring on the fourth play of the season. ... Cornerback Fabian Washington and outside linebacker Sam Williamsleft the game with undisclosed injuries.